Ligand-based drug repurposing strategy identified SARS-CoV-2 RNA G-quadruplex binders

Abstract

The single-stranded RNA genome of SARS-CoV-2 contains some G-quadruplex-forming G-rich elements which are putative drug targets. Here, we performed a ligand-based pharmacophore virtual screening of FDA approved drugs to find candidates targeting such RNA structures. Further <i>in silico</i> and <i>in vitro</i> assays identified three drugs as emerging SARS-CoV-2 RNA G-quadruplex binders.